Set of oyster forks in silver. France S. XIX

Fine antique oyster fork set made of solid silver and in very good condition. The set contains twelve quality forks decorated with hand-engraved motives. It comes from France and is dated in the 19th century. The forks come in their original storing case, also very well preserved and with an outstanding beauty. The cutlery remains in good condition: one of the forks is slightly damaged though it can still be used. All the forks bear the hallmark for antique French solid silver, clearly engraved in the tines. This hallmark is accompanied by the silversmiths mark, containing the initials A.C. The handles are decorated with fine engraved motives, made by hand and covering almost the whole piece (except for the tines). It mixes vegetal- and floral-inspired motives and other decorative details such as scallops and volutes. Their asymmetrical, free and natural style relates these motives with the Art Nouveau style which was so popular in turn-of-the-century decorative arts. The engraved decoration depicts different flowers, finely performed and shaped. There is a rose trimming the end of each fork and a stylized central bunch. The forks are stored in a square-shaped case, outside covered by a faux tortoise-shell material and inside by a great bright-yellow satin lining. The lining is in amazing condition, and the silvery forks shine as real jewels over the radiant and soft surface. This solid-silver oyster fork set is not only a functional item: it is also a gorgeous antique that will delight every lover of decorative arts from the end of the 19th century. Measurements (Case): Width: 6.2 in / 16 cm. Depth: 5.9 in / 15 cm.